The local organization Brooklyn Community Services (BCS) recently had its 160th anniversary as it continues its mission of supporting thousands of Brooklyn residents every year in areas such as housing, education, workforce development, mental health, youth programs, and family support.
“Celebrating 160 years is not just about longevity; it is about resilience, trust, and the deep relationships BCS has built across generations of Brooklynites,” BCS executive director Archana Jayaram said at the organization’s gala, which was held on May 28.
Jayaram joined BCS as executive director earlier this year, and she shared that it’s extremely meaningful to her to serve in this role.
“To step into leadership at a moment when BCS is celebrating 160 years is both an incredible honor and a profound responsibility. Very few organizations have sustained this level of impact for more than a century and a half. What makes BCS so remarkable is that throughout every era, the organization has continued to evolve alongside Brooklyn’s communities while remaining grounded in dignity, compassion, and partnership,” she added.
Throughout her career, Jayaram has been drawn to work that centers equity, access, and human dignity. Prior to joining BCS, she worked across non-profit and city agencies, where she was focused on supporting communities through moments of challenge and transition. For her, those experiences reinforced that meaningful change happens when organizations truly listen to the people they serve.
She’s also learned that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about building trust, creating space for collaboration, and staying grounded in the lived experiences of communities.
“Some of the most important lessons I’ve carried into this role came from working alongside individuals and families navigating complex systems while still showing extraordinary resilience and strength. Those experiences continue to shape how I approach leadership at BCS with humility, curiosity, and a strong belief that communities themselves are the experts in what they need to thrive,” she stated.
The thing that struck Jayaram most was just how deep the commitment runs across the organization, with the staff that shows up for work every single day with real compassion and expertise.
According to Jayaram, Brooklyn’s challenges, including housing insecurity, food access, mental health, education, and economic opportunity, are all tied together. This is why she said; “A big focus for me has been connecting the dots between programs and making sure we can respond when new needs come up in the community.”
She added that as BCS looks ahead, it’s thinking about how to build stronger partnerships, make more room for innovation, and make sure what we’re doing actually reflects what Brooklyn families are dealing with right now. “BCS has always taken a long-term approach to community wellbeing. Our work is not simply about responding to immediate needs; it’s about helping create stability, opportunity, and stronger futures for individuals and families, explained Jayaram.
Through its services for people living with mental illness, BCS helps individuals and families access supportive resources that can prevent long-term cycles of instability. Jayaram recalled when the organization’s Greater Heights Clubhouse in Bushwick helped a young woman who was struggling with mental illness and a traumatic experience with gun violence.
“The program provided her with resources, programming, and support to address her mental health and become workforce-ready,” she explained. “A recent immigrant, the Clubhouse connected her with services to help her find a pathway to citizenship. Today, she is a U.S. citizen, gainfully employed, mentally stable, and has built a happy and thriving family.”
It also supports young people through education and youth development initiatives that build confidence, leadership, and academic success, with many students saying the program has made a real impact.
“Programs like the BCS Beacon Community Center at McKinney Secondary School of Arts offer students academic support, internships, and recreational activities. One student shared that Beacon staff gave her a safe space to process her emotions, while another credited an internship with her science teacher for inspiring her to pursue science in college,” Jayaram shared.
In addition, programs like Food for Families have become critical lifelines for households navigating rising costs and food insecurity. At the heart of all of this work is the belief that communities thrive when people have access to the tools, support systems, and opportunities they need to build stable and fulfilling lives.
To the younger generations interested in having a similar career, Jayaram would encourage you to remember that impact and service take many forms.
“You do not need a specific title to make a meaningful impact. What matters most is staying connected to people, leading with empathy, and being willing to listen and learn. This work can be challenging, but it is also deeply meaningful. The opportunity to support communities, advocate for equity, and help create systems that better serve people is incredibly rewarding,” she continued.
Additionally, she’d encourage you to stay curious and open to unexpected paths.
“Many careers in community leadership are shaped through relationships, lived experiences, and a willingness to step into spaces where support is needed. The most effective leaders are often those who remain grounded in service and committed to collaboration. Brooklyn is strengthened by people who care enough to show up for one another, and we need the next generation of leaders to continue building that future,” she added.
To stay updated on the work that BCS is doing, those who are interested can sign up for the organization’s newsletter here: https://wearebcs.org/subscribe/.
